BBC UNVEILS CHRISTMAS IDENTS FOR 2025, THE GRUFFALO AND FRIENDS

Magic Light Pictures have created three new idents exclusively for BBC One and BBC iPlayer commissioned especially for this festive season. The idents feature much-loved characters from the magical adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture books that have become the heart of the BBC’s Christmas offer.

This year’s animated film, The Scarecrow’s Wedding is celebrated with an ident starring lead characters Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley who receive a Christmas visit from Santa. The two other idents feature Zog, Pearl and Gadabout from Zog and the Flying Doctors and Witch from Room on the Broom; while the third features The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child with Stick Man and his family.

The idents will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer following Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday 30^th November and will appear throughout the Christmas period. The idents are created by Magic Light Pictures with animation by Triggerfish Animation studios.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Magic Light have done the BBC proud and created three unforgettable idents that beautifully capture the festive spirit. Featuring a selection of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s most popular characters, I hope they will spread some extra joy and togetherness into homes across the UK.”

Martin Pope, Joint CEO, Magic Light Pictures said: “It’s a real joy to see our much-loved characters returning to the BBC this Christmas. These new idents capture the heart of what makes the stories so special – imagination, warmth and wonder – and they also celebrate BBC iPlayer as the home of Gruffalo and Friends, where families can enjoy the entire wonderful collection of specials together.”

This year’s animated Christmas special will be The Scarecrows' Wedding an enchanting story about two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember.  When Harry insists on leaving the farm to collect one last thing for their big day, a smooth-talking scarecrow named Reginald Rake swoops in with plans of his own.

Chaos ensues, and soon Betty’s in danger and everything’s at risk.  Can Harry get back in time and save the day? Full of heart, humour and adventure, this is the joyful tale about loyalty, love and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.

The half-hour animated special features an all-star voice cast with returning favourite Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) voicing Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, The Paper) as Harry O’Hay, all led by Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) as the Narrator. 

The Scarecrows’ Wedding is directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, adapted  by Steven Bloomer from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures. Animation services by Red Star with assets and animation support by Triggerfish Animation.

The idents will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer following Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday 30^th November and will appear throughout the Christmas period.